How to Get an Initial Medical Marijuana Card in Pennsylvania
Our Initial guide is designed to demystify the process of acquiring your first Pennsylvania MMJ Card, walking you through every legal step.
Requirements to obtain a medical card in PA
A Qualifying Medical Condition
There are currently 24 qualifying conditions for the Pennsylvania MMJ program, which include but are not limited to anxiety, chronic pain, neuropathy, and more. View the full list here.
Proof of Residency
In order to obtain a Pennsylvania MMJ card, you must be a resident of Pennsylvania, and have either a valid Pennsylvania driver's license, or state-issued ID card. This proof of residency will be required during the registration process on the DOH Patient Portal.
Age
Applicants for the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for participation*. This age requirement ensures that individuals applying for medical marijuana cards are legally considered adults and can make informed decisions regarding their healthcare treatment.
*Minors may also be eligible for the program, if they have a caregiver who will pick up their medicine for them, and a certifying practitioner signs off on their eligibility. If this applies to you, please email us for further assistance at info@justmydoc.com
Annual Fees
Your Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana card incurs two fees - the physician's fee and the state fee.
The physician's fee covers the cost of obtaining your certification and is paid to reserve your appointment at JustMyDoc. For your first MMJ card, this fee is $150. Subsequent years incur a reduced fee of $75.
The annual DOH fee of $50 is separate and must be paid after your Initial consultation. This fee supports the administrative costs of processing applications and maintaining the state's medical marijuana program. Eligible individuals may have this fee waived if they qualify for certain government assistance programs. Scroll below to our 4 step guide for further information.
4 Steps to Get Your Pennsylvania Medical Cannabis Card
Register an Account with the Department of Health
Register here for the PA Medical Marijuana Program.
You will need a valid PA Driver’s License or State ID card to complete this. People generally find the most success when using a laptop or desktop. If you run into any errors, it may be necessary to contact the state medical marijuana helpdesk at 888-733-5595. They are open 7am - 9pm, 7 days a week, and a customer service representative can help you create the account on the backend if you email them a photo of the front and back of your state ID.
The registration form can be quite finicky so make sure to follow these rules:
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Type all information (except email, username, and password) in ALL CAPITALS.
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Type your name and address EXACTLY as it appears on your license or state ID.
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Do not use any punctuation such as commas or periods when typing your address.
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Do not enter spaces between the numbers in the driver’s license or PennDOT-issued ID card number.
Once you have successfully registered, you will receive a 6 digit patient ID. This can be kept in case you ever need to contact the state Helpdesk. Please save your username and password and you will need to access this account again each year to pay the state program fee (step 3) and make any updates to your mailing address.
10 min
150 US dollars
Get a Certification from a Physician
Schedule an appointment
Obtain approval to participate in the medical marijuana program from a MMJ certified and PA licensed physician.
The physicians you'll connect with through JustMyDoc are trained to listen to your concerns and offer helpful advice on cannabis usage. We offer same-day appointments and the doctor will give you a phone call to do the consultation at your convenience. No waiting rooms or waiting on hold! We respect your time and want to start you off with a positive experience with the medical marijuana program.
If you've registered on the DOH Patient Portal, click below to schedule your initial consultation today!
(Pre-payment is required to secure your appointment, but if you don't end up qualifying, we will provide a full refund)
Pay State Fee
Patients with state benefits can waive this
Log back into your Department of Health Medical Marijuana Portal account. In the menu, there is a tab called "Make Payment." This will only show the option to pay/waive the fee after the physician has submitted your certification. Follow the instructions on this page to take care of the payment. This fee helps the state run the medical marijuana program in PA. Those receiving Medicaid, WIC, SNAP, or any other eligible government assistance program may waive the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I legally purchase Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania?
Any authorized PA Medical Dispensary!
Pennsylvania has over 190 licensed dispensaries across the state. You can browse the dispensary map, or the Pennsylvania Department of Health's official website to find to find one near you.
Every dispensary carries a different mix of products and strains. Many also offer online ordering and curbside or drive-thru pickup.
How to Find the Right Medical Marijuana Dispensary for You
Choosing a dispensary that works for you
Every dispensary has its own vibe. Some are more clinical and professional, with pharmacists on hand to help you dial in the right strains and terpene profiles. Others are more relaxed and conversational, with associates who feel more like friends than staff. Neither is better. It just depends on what kind of experience you prefer.
Start by exploring dispensary websites, menus, and patient reviews online. If you can, visit a few in your area in person to get a feel for the atmosphere, customer service, and what they carry. And don't be shy about asking the staff questions about products, dosages, or anything else on your mind. That's exactly what they're there for.
Over time, you'll find a dispensary that consistently carries the products you like, with people you enjoy talking to. That's your spot.
When to Renew Your Medical Marijuana Card
When should I set a reminder?
Your medical marijuana card is valid for one year from the date it's issued. You'll find the expiration date printed on your physical card.
About 30 days before your state fee is due, the Pennsylvania Department of Health will email you a reminder to pay. Take care of that fee as soon as it's payable so there's no gap in your access.
Once you've paid the state renewal fee, schedule your renewal consultation. We recommend booking about two to four weeks before your card expires. That gives you plenty of buffer, since it can take up to 21 days for your new card to arrive in the mail.